What Happened?

If you live in Iowa, you should know that an outside group with deep pockets has already spent more than $1.2 million trying to shape your U.S. Senate race. A Republican-aligned super PAC has spent more than $1.2 million in Iowa's open U.S. Senate race, with about $644,000 opposing Democrat Josh Turek and $615,000 supporting Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA). The Federal Election Commission (FEC) classifies Fund for a Working Congress as a super PAC. ​

According to FEC filings, the committee spent approximately $644,000 opposing Democrat Josh Turek and $615,000 supporting Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Most of that money went to direct mail, with Minute Mail Consulting Group LLC receiving four payments totaling about $1.26 million on Oct. 9.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

Beyond Iowa, the committee reported about $279,000 in opposition spending in two other races: approximately $184,000 in Kansas against Democrat Adam Hamilton and $95,000 in Ohio against Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker.

The committee reported $80,000 in receipts through Sept. 30, all from other political committees, with no individual contributions during that period. It also reported $52,178.33 in debts owed against only $508.11 in cash on hand.

Both Sides, Now

Fund for a Working Congress has reported about $1.54 million in spending this election cycle, most of it in Iowa's open Senate race. On the policy ground where the Iowa race is being fought, Iowa Public Radio reported this month that Turek has cited clinic closures, including MercyOne's Ottumwa location, which closed in February 2026, while criticizing legislation that reduced Medicaid spending; the report does not establish Medicaid cuts as the cause of that closure.

Separately, The Iowa Independent reported in May 2026 that a nonpartisan analysis found eight rural Iowa hospitals at risk of closing, including two at immediate risk, though that analysis does not establish a direct causal link to Medicaid changes.

What Happens Next?

The committee's spending figures run through Oct. 19, while its latest regular financial summary covers activity only through Sept. 30.

The FEC holds the committee's filings, including its latest financial summary through Sept. 30. The open question for Iowa residents is whether this level of outside spending grows further before polls close, and who is ultimately funding it.

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